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Outworld:
Strife, wickedness, betrayal.Dark sorcery and her ancestors' ancient blood flowed through her veins inside the flesh that housed this raging inferno. Flexibility carried her to service various leaders far from kind-hearted. Diplomacy was a strong suit but didn't quell her insatiable hunger for power. A canary skirt and bodysuit with high-heeled boots clung to her slender physique and façade of a deceitful ambassador. Ebony hair swayed in the wind and framed eyes devoid of pupils. Those ghost-white irises flared in a golden tint, acrimony swelling each muscle.Adrenaline filled a rapidly thumping heart that hammered against her chest cavity as pyrokinetic energy formed in each palm. Within her hands laid a fire-sphere containing every action during her unforeseen treachery, a deceiving smile exhibited in preparation for a devastating strike. Five wooden barrels brimmed with exotic spices more than 25 yards away represented an enticing target. Murderous thoughts enhanced the projectile's potency combined with a purple substance self-labeled 'Devil's Dust.' Both hands hurled the combustible ball forward as it streaked across the terrain and detonated its intended mark. The barrel quintet exploded; each spice charred into a smoldering ash pile as flames and black smoke emerged from the debris, embers dancing at the wreckage and her fingertips.Echoing throughout the wastelands was a giggle that morphed into a possessive cackle. The dark maiden's ki had dissipated to allow her a moment of calm. No longer did warlords, sorcerers, dragons, or Elder Gods give her orders, though she obeyed them for a time. She had forged a new path with few associates to call on should things go awry.She pondered her course of action under the full moon's guise while entering a rustic hut. The family who once lived there had perished by her hand, not the only casualties in her lethal wake. There was no turning back to her former life after committing what many considered heinous deeds. That mattered little as one last obstacle stood in the way of her ultimate ambition.I serve no one but myself. Edenia's idea of a free realm is foolish, as are their weak-minded nobles. After Queen Sindel and her wench daughter meet their demise, I'll slowly take my time with Jade. It baffles me how I even considered that bitch a friend who's only concerned by her blinded duty. I have several ways to make that harpy suffer. Jade will know the penalty of weakness after I pierce her heart and set her ablaze.Tanya smirked at the prospect of eliminating her meddling adversary.
Edenia:
Justice, peace, courage.Most of her schedule was spent instructing the kingdom's battalion in the palace courtyard. She didn't command respect but set an example by not barking orders or becoming excessively demanding. One must be willing to follow when called upon. Her technique peaked, a toned figure clothed with an emerald silk top and bottom accompanied by a green sash, fingerless gloves, and black knee-high boots. A volume of onyx hair was tied into a ponytail with stray bangs framing a flawless complexion.Her unwavering devotion was exemplified even before inheriting this prominent position. Securing Edenia became a top priority, her soul lacking any reason to fulfill personal aspirations. The former assassin was confused by the townspeople's adulation. Ensuring their safety was another obligation, yet they viewed her as more than their General - a heroine. She and the Princess shared a friendship that withstood multiple hardships; their combined might unmeasured. Both are guilt-ridden about their past lives after serving as assailants for the man responsible for conquering their land. Despite Sindel's return and presence, Edenia's heir thought about her deceased father daily. It caused her to lament her late family, a bitter reminder of how lonely she became.Then came her husband, whom she'd known since childhood.Jai survived the invasion by sheer miracle after fleeing to Outworld and avoiding imprisonment or execution, at worst. Only after the powerful Shaolin Monk liberated all realms did her childhood sweetheart reveal himself. Joyous tears stained trails on her face after witnessing his return. It amazed her how he evaded detection for centuries, even now. She no longer felt alone without anybody other than her adoptive family, who ensured their wedding day was exquisite. Uprooting their occasion was the accursed traitor she once thought of as a friend.Where did it all go wrong? What caused their mutual hatred? No easy answer presented itself, and willingly forsaking the realm was inexcusable nor defensible.Dusk had settled in the majestic land to signify a moment of truth. Part of her psyche wanted to reach out to the pyromancer one last time. The other side argued for a more suitable course of action - a clash with no one to defy this slated fate. Death had been a fixture in her life for as long as she could remember, and this was the only outcome that would settle their rivalry. Emerald eyes gazed intently into the rumbling sky after completing her training.Never did I envision one fight could decide the fate of many. All of Edenia's threats are extinguished except one. Tanya won't rest until she kills me. My Queen, Kitana, and Jai need me to defeat her, or they'll submit under her iron fist rule. I don't care what it takes or what lengths I must reach. I will win.Jade mentally prepared before a brewing storm.
Shaolin Temple, China:
A flock of chickens plucked at the dirt littered with bird seeds, their feathers absorbing the sun's blistering heat.Sitting nearby in the lotus position was a man declared a deity by the Elder Gods, placing upon him the burden of safeguarding this world from foreign invaders. Adorned on his head was a straw hat while garbed in monk-like clothes. Thoughts of an impending conflict in a realm allied with Earthrealm occupied his attention during a meditation session."They persist under constant strain, unaware of their similarities despite shared apathy," he whispered.Both warriors were of a small collection uniquely attuned. The Thunder God could feel pain, hostility, and resentment even at his current location. He revered heeding the agonizing sensation against his heightened senses to the backwash of their private war."Abandoned trust, unfathomable rage, and vengeful retribution. The two will not avert from their chosen paths." His legs unfolded, the muggy early morning temperature settling in. "Perhaps this is the sole opportunity to free their burdened hearts. My optimism is that the light will prevail."Raiden's blue eyes peered upward to where Edenia stared back. "One can only hope."
Edenia Palace Courtyard:
Dreaded expressions were on multitudes of faces as they made their way to the courtyard for what could be the last of their livelihoods. None in the assembly stood more on edge than the realm's prestigious nobility.Sindel sat beside her Princess daughter on throne chairs; their regal outfits needed to announce the official decree. The result of this match may permanently alter Edenia's future, which failed to ease the Queen's worries evident across her facial features."I prayed this day never came, but my pleas were unanswered," Sindel sadly stated.Kitana understood the gravity of their situation. "All isn't lost yet, Mother. Jade will pull through."The Queen wished to share her child's certainty as Jade waited amid the inclement weather, emotionless despite being anxious. She picked out Jai at the courtyard's barrier with an encouraging smile, the small gesture causing her lips to curl upward."Your endorsement for Jade is admirable, Kitana. She's appreciative of having you as a friend." Sindel brushed a hair strand behind her ear due to the swirling air. "But I worry not just for our people...""Jai as well?" Kitana assumed.Edenia's Queen nodded. "I can only imagine the heartache he'll endure should Jade falter, a tragedy we're too familiar with."A portal ripped open as Tanya stepped out to jeers, disparaging remarks, and a few rotten vegetables for her troubles. The tossing of spoiled food ceased when her inflamed hands came into view while sauntering into the courtyard. Tanya coolly entered the makeshift arena with an evil smile, Jade unamused by her phony charm. The vixens measured each other with contempt glares. Sindel and Kitana reluctantly rose from their seats."Citizens of Edenia," the Queen addressed her congregation. "Taking place today is a duel. Each opponent will battle until a decisive winner is chosen. As Queen, I will explain the stipulations."Jade and Tanya's fierce stare-down never broke, not lost on the audience."No one is to interfere as violators will face expulsion. Weapons and powers are prohibited. Only each warrior's adept skill in hand-to-hand combat is allowed. Should any object to this engagement, may they air their grievances now," Sindel finished.A tense silence fell over the land as no one was willing to prevent this from transpiring lest they draw the competitor's ire."Understood. I'll allow each participant to speak their final words." Sindel turned to her stepdaughter. "Jade?"Breathing deeply, Jade stepped forth but kept a reasonable distance due to her opponent's deceptive tactics. "Last chance, Tanya. Surrender, and the death penalty is voided.""Don't bore me with your pitiful persuasion attempts, Jade. I won't cower from our inevitable destiny." Tanya's smirk swelled after the retort. "But why don't we raise the stakes? I know there's more you want out of this quarrel. You won't admit it, but you're just like me. Except I don't subject myself to borderline slavery."Kitana's hands clenched as this witch dared to compare Jade and herself to be similar. Sindel shared in her daughter's fury but was powerless even as the presiding official."You subject me to lies even now," Jade uttered disdainfully. "I propose this. When I win, you will disclose your business partners' location before execution. They've hidden in the shadows long enough."Mother and daughter inwardly smiled at the terms, though something told them their disgraced politician had an ace up her sleeve."But of course," Tanya sneered before voicing her proposition. "Should I win, not only will I kill you and Edenia's bloodline..." Her attention shifted to an unsettled Jai because of Tanya's sinister grin before locking eyes with his beloved companion. "Your husband will belong to me as my man-whore... as I sire his firstborn child."The rules of engagement, possibly Kitana, were the only things deterring Jade from decapitating this lunatic with her razorang. The emerald assassin was livid with Tanya's wager but knew this was too good a chance to let slip through her fingers."Fine..." Jade seethed. "I accept.""Are you mad, Jade!? You're gambling your husband's life!" Kitana shrieked, appalled that her sister would consider, let alone approve, this ludicrous concession."I know what I'm doing, Kitana. Nothing will stop me from delivering Tanya the comeuppance she deserves. Besides..." Jade spared her no glace before turning smug. "I'd never place a bet I knew I couldn't win."Tanya's smile sawed her face in half. "That's the spirit!"Sindel let out a weary sigh. "Then the terms are agreed. Prepare for commencement."Each woman retreated to their respective corners. What they yearned for had finally arrived; no more delays from this point forward. Tanya flexed her legs and upper body, a dangerous glint flashing in her eyes. Unfazed, Jade cracked her knuckles on both hands."You always showed potential to become Edenia's most powerful being, though not born a Goddess. What I don't understand is why," Tanya spoke."Why?" Jade repeated in confusion, caught off guard for a brief instant."Lowering yourself to nothing more than a dutiful servant. Your ability is more than even Kitana and I combined. Yet, you waste every day not seizing the opportunity to assert yourself atop the totem pole. Like your content living as an obedient fool who follows orders without question. I want to know why you chose not to want more out of your mindless servitude."Curious murmurs began spreading amidst the crowd, also piquing Sindel and Kitana's interest. Jade pondered Tanya's words as they brought to light desires she had perceived buried long ago. She never envied Kitana's privilege due to her parent's relationship with the Queen, indulging in combat's exhilarating thrill instead. Being a noble wasn't all as it was portrayed, with the snobby aristocrats being proof. Despite undergoing various tribulations, Jade led a happy life as the last surviving member of her bloodline alongside her husband.What more could she possibly want?"I suppose I can enlighten you." Jade straightened her posture in the increasing drizzle. "At no point in my life did material items such as money or jewels interest me, and my aspirations don't obstruct me from my purpose of protecting the crown. This theory may be difficult for someone like you to comprehend, but I've found something more meaningful to cherish."Her irises connected with the love of her life as Jai's affectionate stare provided tender compassion during a silent interaction.Jade then turned to narrow her eyes at her hated enemy. "And I'll be damned if I allow you to rob me of everything I love."The Queen, Princess, and their followers couldn't help but admire their General's unquestioned loyalty."How touching." Tanya's mocking came as no surprise. "The fact these simpletons dismiss your transgressions yet hold mine as a guillotine is a sham of injustice.""Wrong. No one gave Kitana or me a reprieve for mindlessly carrying out Shao Kahn's will. I don't blame them for mistrusting us because of our involvement, and I won't shy away from past wrongdoings." Jade crossed her arms. "You believe our land will prosper under your demented rule?""Edenia has failed to demonstrate its power! This absurd notion of just and impartial rule has run its course! To think I held any semblance of respect for you is-""ENOUGH!"Jade abruptly ended the conversation, concluding that Tanya had gone insane with her radical beliefs. "I'm done talking, and your time is about to expire."An upsurge in the wind and a consistent downpour had caused the weather to take a drastic turn. Thunder boomed in the backdrop to set the stage for a climactic ending where one woman emerged as a survivor, not a victor. Jade and Tanya stiffened in place with bated breaths while waiting for the slightest movement. Their shared patience paid off as a massive lightning bolt flashed across the sky, the two sprinting to meet halfway."Have at you, harlot!" Tanya yelled."For Edenia!" Jade retaliated.